Health and Disability in Later Life

Heart disease, cancer, and stroke are all common health conditions among older adults.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among older adults.

Poor health, lack of physical activity, and social isolation are all risk factors for developing a disability in later life.

Frailty is the term for the process of losing the ability to perform activities of daily living.

Mobility disability, cognitive disability, and sensory disability are all common types of disability among older adults.

Long-term care, 介護 (kaigo), and assisted living are all terms for the process of providing assistance to older adults with disabilities.

Home health care, nursing home care, and assisted living are all types of long-term care.

Nursing home, assisted living facility, and retirement community are all terms for a facility that provides long-term care to older adults.

To maintain or improve the older adult's quality of life, to provide a safe and supportive environment, and to help the older adult remain independent for as long as possible are all goals of long-term care.

Aging in place, caregiving, and eldercare are all terms for the process of planning for and providing care for older adults with disabilities.

Family caregiver, friend caregiver, and paid caregiver are all types of caregivers.

Caregiver burden, caregiver stress, and caregiver burnout are all terms for the emotional and physical toll that caregiving can take on the caregiver.

Support groups, respite care, and financial assistance are all resources for caregivers.

Discharge planning, transitional care, and home health care are all terms for the process of transitioning from a hospital or nursing home to home care.

To ensure a smooth and safe transition from the hospital or nursing home to home care, to provide the older adult with the necessary resources and support, and to help the older adult regain their independence are all goals of discharge planning.